"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (Austen, 1).
Summary Pride and Prejudice is a love story set in Longbourn, England in the 1800s. The focus is on the Bennet family: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and their five unmarried daughters. Elizabeth, the intelligent, independent, and outspoken second daughter, is the protagonist. In the beginning of the novel, Mrs. Bingley relates to her husband the news of a wealthy gentleman, Mr. Bingley, who recently bought the Netherfield estate. Immediately Mrs. Bennet, who takes it her responsibility to see her daughters wed, has ideas of one of them marrying Mr. Bingley. At a ball, Mr. Bingley and his friend, Mr. Darcy, start polar relationships with two of the Bennet daughters. Mr. Bingley and the eldest daughter, Jane, start their relationship on good terms, while Mr. Darcy made a comment that slighted Elizabeth: "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in mo humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" (Austen, 7).
This comment and conduct of Mr. Darcy soon brought him to be disliked by Elizabeth as well as Longbourn. Adding to this was the personal account of Mr. Wickham, a man who bought Elizabeth's further loathing of Mr. Darcy through pity. "You have reduced him to his present state of poverty, comparative poverty. You have withheld the advantages, which you must have know to have been designed for him" (Austen, 144).
This account of Mr. Darcy was thought to be reasonable, since it seemed matching to his previous behavior. However, light later shines on the truth of these accusations. It was only pride that made accusations seem reasonable, which caused characters to prejudge each other . . .
Why is the book outstanding? Pride and Prejudice is an outstanding book that shows love can prevail against social status and reputation. Peers of characters try to interfere in their relationships, deeming their social status too far apart to deem their love likely. Students can relate since social status is a road block in love that is still prevalent today.
The variety of characters also makes this book exceptional. Some of the characters are absurd and provoke your interest. Their faulty traits of human nature are exploited in this book: flattery, greed, stupidity . . .
Would I recommend this book to others?
I would definitely recommend Pride and Prejudice to anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy. The description on the back of the book at first had me puzzled: 'A romantic clash between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?' At that point I had only read a few chapters, and after Elizabeth deemed him proud and unworthy, I was resolved to read more, wondering how and if 'the guy would get the girl'.
Other than this conviction, I was frustrated with the absurdity. For example, a situation in which Mrs. Bennet was dismayed by Elizabeth's refusal of a marriage proposal. "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.--Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do" (Austen, 85). I was provoked enough to slam my book against the counter and leave it there for awhile. Yet, I could not help picking up again
Also, lines in the book had me, in better lack of words, in "Awwwww . . . that is so cute!" mode. "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you" (Austen, 142). I related this line to one of my friends and they took the book away from me so they could read it. Wondering what happened next, I was compelled to take the book back.
Therefore yes, I do recommend Pride and Prejudice to others.
Here is one of my favorite songs being used in a Pride and Prejudice music video using clips from the 2005 movie:
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife" (Austen, 1).
Summary
Pride and Prejudice is a love story set in Longbourn, England in the 1800s. The focus is on the Bennet family: Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, and their five unmarried daughters. Elizabeth, the intelligent, independent, and outspoken second daughter, is the protagonist. In the beginning of the novel, Mrs. Bingley relates to her husband the news of a wealthy gentleman, Mr. Bingley, who recently bought the Netherfield estate. Immediately Mrs. Bennet, who takes it her responsibility to see her daughters wed, has ideas of one of them marrying Mr. Bingley. At a ball, Mr. Bingley and his friend, Mr. Darcy, start polar relationships with two of the Bennet daughters. Mr. Bingley and the eldest daughter, Jane, start their relationship on good terms, while Mr. Darcy made a comment that slighted Elizabeth: "She is tolerable; but not handsome enough to tempt me; and I am in mo humor at present to give consequence to young ladies who are slighted by other men" (Austen, 7).
This comment and conduct of Mr. Darcy soon brought him to be disliked by Elizabeth as well as Longbourn. Adding to this was the personal account of Mr. Wickham, a man who bought Elizabeth's further loathing of Mr. Darcy through pity. "You have reduced him to his present state of poverty, comparative poverty. You have withheld the advantages, which you must have know to have been designed for him" (Austen, 144).
This account of Mr. Darcy was thought to be reasonable, since it seemed matching to his previous behavior. However, light later shines on the truth of these accusations. It was only pride that made accusations seem reasonable, which caused characters to prejudge each other . . .
Why is the book outstanding?
Pride and Prejudice is an outstanding book that shows love can prevail against social status and reputation. Peers of characters try to interfere in their relationships, deeming their social status too far apart to deem their love likely. Students can relate since social status is a road block in love that is still prevalent today.
The variety of characters also makes this book exceptional. Some of the characters are absurd and provoke your interest. Their faulty traits of human nature are exploited in this book: flattery, greed, stupidity . . .
Would I recommend this book to others?
I would definitely recommend Pride and Prejudice to anyone who enjoys a romantic comedy. The description on the back of the book at first had me puzzled: 'A romantic clash between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy?' At that point I had only read a few chapters, and after Elizabeth deemed him proud and unworthy, I was resolved to read more, wondering how and if 'the guy would get the girl'.
Other than this conviction, I was frustrated with the absurdity. For example, a situation in which Mrs. Bennet was dismayed by Elizabeth's refusal of a marriage proposal. "An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents.--Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do" (Austen, 85). I was provoked enough to slam my book against the counter and leave it there for awhile. Yet, I could not help picking up again
Also, lines in the book had me, in better lack of words, in "Awwwww . . . that is so cute!" mode. "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you" (Austen, 142). I related this line to one of my friends and they took the book away from me so they could read it. Wondering what happened next, I was compelled to take the book back.
Therefore yes, I do recommend Pride and Prejudice to others.
Here is one of my favorite songs being used in a Pride and Prejudice music video using clips from the 2005 movie: